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 Cat’s claw, also known as the "Healing Vine of Peru" and
" Uńa de Gato,” has grown to be very popular because of the many
therapeutic benefits is offers for relieving arthritis, allergies,
menstrual irregularities, ulcers, and a variety of gastrointestinal
disorders.
While cat’s claw is not the most well know
medicinal herb, it is considered a valuable medicinal resource and
is a highly protected plant in Peru, where it grows naturally.
Presently, very little scientific research has been dedicated to
testing the merits of cat's claw, but many cultures native to the
South American rain forest areas have used this herb for hundreds of
years.
However, some recent studies report that cat's claw
may in deed have favorable effects primarily in its ability boost
the body's immune system. With growing concern about the spread of
HIV, studies on cat's claw have increased during recent
years.
The active chemical compounds found in cat's claw are
alkaloids, tannins, and several other phytochemicals. The alkaloids
in cat's claw give it the ability boost the immune system. The major
alkaloid rhynchophylline also exhibits anti-hypertensive properties
and may help to reduce the occurrence of stroke and heart attack by
lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, reducing heart
rate, and controlling cholesterol levels.
Many treatments and
herbal supplements combine cat's claw with different plants and
natural products to increase the absorption and bioavailability
whereby increasing its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and
anticancer effects.
For quite some time, cat's claw has been
used medicinally as a treatment for gastrointestinal ailments.
Additional homeopathic uses of cat's claw include treatments for
Crohn's disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis,
gastritis, diverticulitis, and leaky bowel syndrome. Through its
ability to stimulate the immune system, this herb may also improve
the body’s response to viral and respiratory
infections.
Cat's claw is considered by many, largely because
of its immune-building properties, to be every bit as important as
more popular herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal, Pau D'Arco,
garlic, and Siberian ginseng.
Supplement Forms and
Dosage
Cat's claw is available as a supplement in
many different forms. These include: dried cut-and-sifted root and
stem, powdered root and stem, capsules, tinctures, tablets, and
extracts standardized for total alkaloid content. For proper dosage,
follow manufacturer’s recommendation found on the
package.
Possible Side Effects
Like
other immune stimulants, cat's-claw should be avoided in diseases of
the immune system itself, such as tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis,
and HIV infection. Cat's claw is not known to be safe for children,
pregnant, or nursing women. Consult a physician before using
cat's-claw.
Supporting
Literature
Rizzi R, Re F, Bianchi A, et al.
Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its
extracts. J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:63–77.
Blumenthal M, Riggins
C. Popular Herbs in the U.S. Market: Therapeutic Monographs. Austin,
Tex: The American Botanical Council; 1997.
Keplinger H. Oxyindole
alkaloids having properties stimulating the immunologic system and
preparation containing same. US Patent no. 5,302,611, April 12,
1994.
Aquino R, De Feo V, De Simone F, et al. Plant metabolites,
new compounds and anti-inflammatory activity of Uncaria tomentosa. J
Nat Prod 1991;54:453–9.
Karch SB. The Consumer's Guide to Herbal
Medicine. Hauppauge, New York: Advanced Research Press;
1999:55-56.
Keplinger K, Laus G, Wurm M, Dierich MP, Teppner H.
Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC—ethnomedicinal use and new
pharmacological, toxicological and botanical results. J
Ethnopharmacol. 1999;64:23–34.
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